Positive Surprises

[AFAcademyHawk]

Obviously a frustrating start to the season (in addition to the off-the-field issues) given 3-1/4-0 seems so close, but might as well focus on some of the unexpected highlights:

- Zach VanValkenburg - Really improved both year-over-year and through the course of the season. Seems likely to use his extra season of eligibility as well, so should be a leader next year.

- Riley Moss - Received lots of criticism on message board like these, but Moss is one of the team's best players and has superb athleticism. The secondary next year should be elite - everyone is back except for Hankins.

- Mark Kallenberger - Deserves a starting spot moving forward. Another upperclassman Iowa will be fortunate to return for another season next year.

- Seth Benson - Figured he was a lifetime special teamer, but Benson is quick, diagnoses plays well, and seems to always make the play when he is on position.

- Daviyon Nixon - Not a big surprise to Hawkeye fans, but he will probably end up first or second team all Big Ten and move on to the NFL

- Special Teams - Superb at every level, makes the 2-2 start all the more puzzling

What did I forget?

 

[uihawk82]

You are spot on with a lot of your thoughts but the whole team is playing well right now.

Five turnovers in the first two games and a bunch of penalties at Purdue and you would never think that 56 yard FGoal at the end of the half against nNW led to the two losses. Those are the types of things that might have been ironed out before the first game in a normal year.

 

[oregonhawkeye]

Obviously a frustrating start to the season (in addition to the off-the-field issues) given 3-1/4-0 seems so close, but might as well focus on some of the unexpected highlights:

- Zach VanValkenburg - Really improved both year-over-year and through the course of the season. Seems likely to use his extra season of eligibility as well, so should be a leader next year.

- Riley Moss - Received lots of criticism on message board like these, but Moss is one of the team's best players and has superb athleticism. The secondary next year should be elite - everyone is back except for Hankins.

- Mark Kallenberger - Deserves a starting spot moving forward. Another upperclassman Iowa will be fortunate to return for another season next year.

- Seth Benson - Figured he was a lifetime special teamer, but Benson is quick, diagnoses plays well, and seems to always make the play when he is on position.

- Daviyon Nixon - Not a big surprise to Hawkeye fans, but he will probably end up first or second team all Big Ten and move on to the NFL

- Special Teams - Superb at every level, makes the 2-2 start all the more puzzling

What did I forget?

You forgot the punter. Duh.

 

[AFAcademyHawk]

You forgot the punter. Duh.

Last I checked he was part of the special teams unit

 

[oregonhawkeye]

Fair, true
But Taylor does deserve special mention. He's been unreal putting the ball inside the 15 every bleeping time.

 

[HuckFinn]

Obviously a frustrating start to the season (in addition to the off-the-field issues) given 3-1/4-0 seems so close, but might as well focus on some of the unexpected highlights:

- Zach VanValkenburg - Really improved both year-over-year and through the course of the season. Seems likely to use his extra season of eligibility as well, so should be a leader next year.

- Riley Moss - Received lots of criticism on message board like these, but Moss is one of the team's best players and has superb athleticism. The secondary next year should be elite - everyone is back except for Hankins.

- Mark Kallenberger - Deserves a starting spot moving forward. Another upperclassman Iowa will be fortunate to return for another season next year.

- Seth Benson - Figured he was a lifetime special teamer, but Benson is quick, diagnoses plays well, and seems to always make the play when he is on position.

- Daviyon Nixon - Not a big surprise to Hawkeye fans, but he will probably end up first or second team all Big Ten and move on to the NFL

- Special Teams - Superb at every level, makes the 2-2 start all the more puzzling

What did I forget?

Not much. Good stuff!

 

[AFAcademyHawk]

Fair, true
But Taylor does deserve special mention. He's been unreal putting the ball inside the 15 every bleeping time.

Definitely a weapon. Coverage has been solid too though!

 

[haydensly]

The entire offensive line is player better than they have in several years. Much better than last year.

 

[Iceman]

Higgins played well at the end of the game. Was in on many tackles. His future looks promising

 

[The Big LeHAWKski]

This is the earliest that our O-line has been playing so well. Usually they improve and by game #6-7 they are in sync an we are looking this damn good in game #3??
I know MN is weak on D... but JFC we drove them off the line so well and so consistently I could have had 50 yds rushing tonight!
IMO Linderbaum is on his way to being a Consensus AA!
GO HAWKS!

 

[ICHawk24]

Taylor has been elite.

Van Valkenburg really coming out now. Lots of first half pressures, then cashed in on 3 sacks.

Riley Moss showing off his elite ball skills.

OL has really jelled since Schott/Cronk injuries shortened the rotation. Sometimes you get lucky.

 

[Grady]

I just can't figure out why any defense wouldn't run-blitz Iowa's offense on every down? If I'm Penn St, why wouldn't I do that?
Parker is just an amazing defensive coach. Period. End of story.
And Taylor? Unbelievable. Keep this up and he may make me forget Reggie Roby. (But not really.)
Can't figure out what's going on with FG kicker Duncan. He looks uncomfortable out there: last week missed a 37 yd chip shot for him, and tonight barely touched the 50 yd try. It almost seems that because he's not getting enough chances he hasn't been able to get into any kind of rhythm.

 

[Ian Pike Hammer]

Not just Moss, but the entire secondary is playing well. Said tonight on the B1G Show, Iowa has an interception in 11 straight games. A few missed tackles here and there but overall, damn fine job.